I enjoyed the book but I agree with innerzone, I think socioeconomically she was privilidged and had some very supportive people in her life. However she did have her share of difficulties and did very well considering which is to her credit.
I also agree with others that her experience of BP was very different to mine, probably as I am BP 2.
As for the OP, I don't think being intelligent makes BP or life in general harder. It just makes your interaction with the world different than if you were less intelligent. You think about things more - which is harder when thoughts turn bad but more pleasurable when you mood and thoughts are good. Anyway you can't change it so make the most of it and enjoy the blessings that come with intelligence.